Kendra, Rachelle, Brittney, Lacey, and Shalyse Olsen

Our hearts are broken with the devastating news of the loss of our dear Uncle Gary. We have many wonderful memories with him and wanted to share some of our favorites.

Growing up we had the opportunity to go boating with Uncle Gary numerous times. During our several trips to Lake Powell he loved to go out first thing in the morning to get the “glass water.” We remember how we would complain that it was too cold, too early, and we were just too tired. But he would always somehow talk us into going. While in the water mustering up the courage to tell him to hit it he would give his famous last words, “put your knees to your chest, put your legs together, lean back and stand up.” After several failed attempts he would patiently sit on the back of the boat and show us the ideal position. He never got tired of trying to teach us how to ski, he started teaching us at a young age with the training skis. On our last trip together he had taught us so well that he did not even have to demonstrate the correct positions, he had helped us master the skills. He had such a passion for skiing that he wanted to share it with all of us. We will always remember how amazing it was when he would barefoot behind the boat.

Uncle Gary loved a good joke; he always took the opportunity to teach the inexperienced banana boat riders “his” correct way to ride the banana boat. He would direct you to lean the same way the boat was turning, which would insure with each turn there would be bodies flying off in various directions. After each fall, he would tell the riders that they were not leaning far enough and that if they would just lean a little farther they would make the turn. This process would continue numerous times until the Clark girls would share the secret with the riders. During our several trips to Lake Powell we created some of our most cherished memories which will stay with us forever.

He knew how to make those around him laugh and have a great time. There was never a dull moment with Uncle Gary around. Dinner always took triple the amount of time because they were filled with fun teasing and numerous jokes. Uncle Gary always had the nicest car with all the latest cool features. We would all argue who was going to be the lucky one who got to ride with him in his spiffy car. Uncle Gary’s bright spirit and good jokes will always be some of our most precious memories with him.

We will dearly miss our loving and kind hearted uncle and look forward to being with him again. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Love,

Your nieces Kendra, Rachelle, Brittney, Lacey, and Shalyse Olsen.